Mounting Device and Apparatus For Use With Studs Comprising T-Shaped Channels

ABSTRACT

A mounting device and apparatus for use with a stud comprising a channel comprises a mount and opposing flanges or an engagement member. The engagement member may geometrically conform to the shape of the channel for engaging the mounting device within the channel. The mount may comprise a socket for receiving and holding a cable management member. The engagement member may comprise an uneven surface to create an interference fit with internal portions of the stud that define the channel. The apparatus may further comprise a cable tie receiving device comprising a plurality of apertures for receipt of cable ties to organize cable bundles.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 11/744,000, filed May3, 2007, which claims priority to provisional patent application Ser.No. 60/746,711, filed May 8, 2006.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a mounting device and apparatus for use withstuds comprising channels and, more particularly, to such devices andapparatus for securing cable management devices to studs comprisingT-shaped channels.

BACKGROUND

Mounting devices are often secured to a variety of structures forreceiving and carrying items, such as electrical equipment and cablebundles. In the rail, trucking and airplane industries, for example,mounting devices are secured to elongated studs positioned in variousorientations on interior or exterior surfaces of railcars trucks andaircraft. Since these studs typically comprise T-shaped channels whichextend along a length of the stud, it is often desirable to secure themounting devices to or within the T-shaped channel at a desired positionto create a secure connection for receiving and carrying theaforementioned equipment or cables. It is also desirable to providemounting devices that are easy and efficient to install.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved mounting device andapparatus for use with studs comprising channels, particularly T-shapedchannels.

In one embodiment, the mounting device is used with a stud comprising aT-shaped channel and comprises a plate comprising a top surface and abottom surface, a mount extending from the top surface of the plate, themount for receiving and carrying a cable management member and opposingflanges positioned on the bottom surface of the plate. The opposingflanges of this embodiment each comprise a stop surface to abut aninternal side surface of the stud defining the T-shaped channel andengage the mounting device within the T-shaped channel.

In another embodiment, the mounting device is used with a studcomprising a channel and comprises a plate comprising a top surface anda bottom surface, a mount positioned on the top surface of the plate,the mount for receiving and carrying a cable management member and anengagement member that geometrically conforms to the shape of thechannel for engaging the mounting device within the channel. Theengagement member of this embodiment comprises an uneven surfacepositioned to create an interference fit between the engagement memberand one or more portions of the stud defining the channel. Further, theengagement member of this embodiment may be alternatively disposed in afirst position, wherein the engagement member is capable of being movedalong a length of the channel and a second position, wherein theengagement member is capable of being engaged within the channel.

The mounting device may include various modifications and additionalfeatures. The mount may, for example, comprise a hexagonal socket forreceipt of a tool for rotating the engagement member. The socket mayalso receive and carry a cable management member. The flange maycomprise an inclined surface and the stop surface of the flange may bepositioned transverse to the bottom surface of the plate. The engagementmember may comprise a shaft and a wedge block, with the shaft connectedto the bottom surface of the plate. The shaft may comprise at least onerounded corner and at least one square corner and the wedge block maycomprise an uneven surface. The uneven surface may be transverse to alongitudinal axis of the channel with the engagement member engagedwithin the channel. The uneven surface typically comprises an angledsurface or a flexible pad. This angled surface may comprise two angledsurfaces comprising a lowest elevation point, wherein the lowestelevation point of one of the angled surfaces is positioned on anopposite side of the wedge block as the lowest elevation point of theother angled surface.

The present invention is also directed to a mounting apparatus for usewith a stud comprising a channel. The mounting apparatus comprises acable tie receiving device extending some of the above-describedfeatures. The apparatus may accommodate placement of two or moremounting devices on studs with varying distances therebetween.

In one embodiment, the cable tie receiving device comprises a stripcomprising a plurality of apertures for receiving cable ties, the strippositioned between the first and second end portions and at least oneopening positioned at one or both of the list and second end portions.The mounting device of this embodiment comprises a mount for insertioninto and engagement with the at least one opening, and an engagementmember geometrically conforming to the shape of the channel. The mountis adapted to receive and carry a cable management member and theengagement member is adapted to engage the mounting device within thechannel.

In another embodiment, the cable tie receiving device extends from afirst end portion to a second end portion and comprises a plurality ofapertures for receipting cable ties positioned between the first andsecond end portions. The cable tie receiving device further comprises atleast one opening substantially larger than the plurality of apertures,positioned at one or both of the first and second end portions. Themounting device of this embodiment comprises a mount for insertion intoand engagement with the at least one opening and an engagement membercomprising a T-shaped cross-section, the engagement member for engagingthe mounting device within the channel.

The apparatus may incorporate various additional features. The at leastone opening of the cable tie receiving device may comprise an elongatedopening comprising a first portion and a second portions with the firstportion comprising a larger width dimension than the second portion. Thecable tie receiving device may further comprise opposing side railspositioned within the at least one opening. The first end portion maycomprise two or more spaced apart openings for receiving two or moremounting devices. The mounting device of the mounting apparatus may alsoinclude one or more of the features found in the various embodiments ofthe mounting device described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by theaccompanying figures. It should be understood that the figures are notnecessarily to scale and that details not necessary for an understandingof the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive maybe omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention isnot necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustratedherein.

FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of the mounting device of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the mounting device as seen alongline 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2, withopposing boundaries of a T-shaped rail shown in phantom to which theadapter would be mounted;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged top perspective view of the mounting device ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the mounting device of FIG. 1aligned to be inserted into a T-shaped channel formed within a stud;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the mounting device of FIG. 5positioned within the T-shaped channel and partially rotated with theuse of a tool engaged with the mounting device;

FIG. 7 is an end view of the mounting device locked into place withinthe T-shaped channel;

FIG. 8 is an exploded top perspective view of the mounting device ofFIG. 1 and a first embodiment of a cable management accessory;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective and partially cut away view of the mountingdevice and accessory of FIG. 8 installed onto a stud comprising aT-shaped channel, with a cable secured thereto;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective and partially cut away view of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an exploded top perspective view of a mounting apparatuscomprising a cable management device, shown with two mounting devices ofthe present invention;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 11, with themounting devices secured to the cable management device;

FIG. 13 is an exploded top perspective view of an alternate embodimentof the mounting apparatus of FIG. 11, comprising a cable managementdevice and two mounting devices of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 13, with thecable management device secured to the two mounting devices;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective and partially cut away view of theapparatus of FIG. 11 installed onto a wall utilizing two spaced apartT-shaped channels, wherein cables are secured to the accessory; and

FIG. 16 is a top perspective and partially cut away view of theapparatus of FIG. 13 installed onto a wall utilizing two spaced apartT-shaped channels, wherein cables are secured to the accessory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-4, one embodiment of the mounting device10 of the present invention is shown. Mounting device 10 comprises plate11 comprising top surface 12 and bottom surface 14, engagement member 15(comprising shaft 16 and elongated wedge block 18), mount 20 andelastomeric pads 23.

Mount 20 extends from top surface 12 of plate 11 and may compriseannular shoulder 24, socket 26 (see FIG. 4) and collar 27. Mount 20, aswill be discussed in more detail herein below, receives and securescable management accessories to mounting device 10. Additionally, socket26 is adapted to receive a tool, such as an allen wrench, to imparttorque to mounting device 10. Imparting torque to mounting device 10rotates wedge block 18 thereby securing or unlocking mounting device 10to or from a T-shaped rail of a stud which forms part of a wall of arailcar, as show n in FIGS. 5-7.

Referring now to FIG. 4, socket 26 comprises internal sidewalls 28which, in the example shown, form a hexagonal shape. This hexagonalshape is compatible for receiving an allen wrench. Other shapes formedby internal walls 28, such as square or spline, for example, arelikewise contemplated.

Engagement member 15 may comprise shaft 16 and elongated wedge block 18.As described more fully hereinbelow, engagement member 15 typicallygeometrically conforms to the shape of the channel of the stud withwhich mounting device 10 is used and often exhibits a T-shapedcross-section. Engagement member 15 may be alternatively disposed in afirst position, wherein the engagement member is capable of being movedalong a length of the channel and a second position, wherein theengagement member is capable of being engaged within the channel. Shaft16 typically comprises a smaller width dimension than block 18.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-4, shaft 16 extends between bottomsurface 14 of plate 11 and elongated wedge block 18. Bottom surface 14may further comprise opposing flanges 29, each having a stop surface 30and an inclined surface 31. Stop surface 30 is generally transverse tobottom surface 14 (typically perpendicular thereto) and prevents removalof mounting device 10 once installed by engaging the internal sidesurfaces of a stud, as discussed below. Inclined surface 31 extendsbetween stop surface 30 and bottom surface 14 at an incline to allowflanges 29 to ride up and over the external top surfaces of a studduring installation, as described below.

As shown in FIG. 3, shaft 16 may comprise opposing pairs of roundedcorners 33 and square corners 35. This geometry prevents mounting device10 from being over-rotated in the clockwise direction duringinstallation. As mounting device 10 is rotated past the installationposition, square corners 35 will contact the internal side surfaces of astud and prevent further rotation. However, in the counter-clockwisedirection, the rounded corners 33 will allow the mounting device 10 torotate.

Elongated wedge block 18 typically comprises a larger length dimensionthan width dimension and may comprise an uneven surface. The unevensurface is positioned to create an interference fit between theengagement member 15 and one or more portions of a stud defining aT-shaped channel.

The uneven surface may comprise angled surface 32 or elastomer pads 23.Elastomer pads 23 are positioned such that each pad 23 covers both thetop and side surfaces of block 18. Angled surface 32 is positioned alongan upper surface of block 18, as seen in FIG. 2. Another angled surface(not shown) is positioned in a corresponding location on the oppositeside of block 18. Angled surface 32 and the angled surface that is notshown extend in opposite directions. That is, from the position ofviewing FIG. 2, the lowest elevation of angled surface 32 is positionedon the left side of block 18 relative to the observer and the angledsurface (not shown) has the lowest elevation positioned on the rightside of block 18 relative to the observer. These angled surfaces may beangled between about 5° and about 20°, and more particularly at about10°.

Mounting device 10 may be constructed of a rigid plastic material, suchas a flame retardant nylon material. Elastomeric pads 23 may beconstructed of a thermoplastic elastomer and injection molded with block18 in a dual injection molding process. Likewise, cable managementdevices, discussed hereinafter, may be constructed of the same materialas mounting device 10 and also injection molded.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, mounting device 10 is installed on stud 34.Stud 34 is typically used in railcars, truck or aircraft for mountingvarious items, including, electrical equipment and cables. Stud 34 maybe positioned in virtually any orientation, including on a ceiling. Stud34 is generally an elongated structure comprising base 36, external topsurfaces 38, internal top surfaces 40, internal side surfaces 41 andT-shaped channel 42. T-shaped channel 42 comprises base portion 44 andneck portion 46, wherein base and neck portions 44 and 46 run along thelength or a portion of the length of stud 34.

A width dimension of base portion 44 of T-shaped channel 42 may bebetween about 0.50 inches and 2.0 inches and more particularly about0.50 inches, 1.0 inch or 1.5 inches. A corresponding width dimension ofneck portion 46 may be between about 0.25 inches and about 1.0 inch andmore particularly about 0.43, 0.58 or 0.88 inches. Of course, if thedimensions of T-shaped channel 42 change, the dimensions of mountingdevice 10 may also change. Given the absolute dimensions providedherein, one of ordinary skill can readily calculate ratios for arrivingat the appropriate dimensions.

Installation comprises a series of steps. Block 18 is oriented with itslength dimension in alignment with the length dimension of T-shapedchannel 42, as shown in FIG. 5. Shaft 16 is then passed through neckportion 46 and block 18 is placed in base portion 44, as shown in FIGS.6 and 7. Once block 18 is positioned within T-shaped channel 42, it maybe moved longitudinally up and down channel 42 into a desired position.Thereafter, installation tool 48 is inserted into socket 26 and turnedclockwise 90° to rotate block 18 within T-shaped channel 42, as shown inFIG. 6.

As mounting device 10 rotates, block 18 is repositioned so that itslength dimension is transverse to the length dimension of base portion44 of T-shaped channel 42. During rotation, opposing elastomeric pads 23of elongated block 18 contact internal top and side surfaces 40 and 41of stud 34, ultimately creating a friction or interference fit. Asrotation continues toward the approximate 90° position, inclined surface31 will ride over external top surface of stud 34. Ultimately, eachflange 29 will deflect downwardly into neck portion 46 such that thestop surfaces 30 engage the internal side surfaces 41 of stud 34,usually with an audible click. Further, an uneven surface may bepositioned transverse to a longitudinal axis A of channel 42. In thisconfiguration, shown in FIG. 7, mounting device 10 is secured to stud34.

Once mounting device 10 has been installed on stud 34, variouscompatible cable management devices, including cable tie receivingdevices 100, 200 and 300 (see FIGS. 8, 11, and 14), may be usedtherewith. These cable management accessories are adapted to receive andsecure cables or cable bundles into position.

As shown in FIGS. 8-10, cable tie receiving device 100, which receivesand secures cables 102 with cable tie 104, may be secured to mount 20 ofmounting device 10. Cable tie receiving device 100 comprises centralopening 106 for receiving mount 20 and opposing slots 108 for receivingcable tie 104. Cable tie receiving device 100 is typically snap fit tomount 20. Cable tie receiving device 100 may be designed to swivel 360°to accommodate variable cable breakout angles. Once cable tie receivingdevice 100 is secured to mounting device 10, cable tie 104 may bethreaded through opposing slots 108 and looped around cable 102 tosecure cable 102 or cable bundles firmly into position, with headportion 117 in a locked state.

Mounting device 10 may also be used as part of a mounting apparatus, inconnection with cable tie receiving devices 200 and 300, shown in FIGS.11-12 and 13-14, respectively. Devices 200 and 300 share similarstructures and are connected to two spaced apart mounting devices 10.Additionally, both devices 200 and 300 are adjustable in order toaccommodate placement of mounting devices 10 on T-slots with varyingdistances therebetween. Specifically, cable tie receiving devices 200and 300 can be mounted anywhere that mounting devices 10 can beinstalled about 100.0 m to 500.0 mm apart and more particularly about150.0 mm to about 300.0 mm apart. Devices 200 and 300 differ in theconfiguration of one of their end portions.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate cable tie receiving device 200, whichcomprises first end 202 and second end 204, with cable receiving strip206 positioned therebetween. First end 202 comprises spaced apart firstand second openings 208 and 210, each of which is adapted to receivemount 20 and engage annular shoulder 24 of a first mounting device 10.Strip 206 comprises a plurality of cable tie receiving slots 212 forreceiving a plurality of cable ties 214 for securing cables 215 (seeFIGS. 15 and 16) or cable bundles. Strip 206 may further comprise ribs216 designed to reinforce and strengthen cable tie receiving device 200and help prevent warping during injection molding. Strip 206 istypically between about 80.0 mm and about 300.0 mm in length andcomprises between about 10 and 15 apertures. Second end 204 comprisesthird opening 218, for receiving mount 20 and engaging annular shoulder24 of a second mounting device 10.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate device 300, with like reference charactersused in connection with device 200 corresponding to like components fordevice 300 (e.g., reference character 202 and 302 both correspond tofirst end, 204 and 304 correspond to second end, 206 and 306 correspondto strip, etc.). The difference between devices 200 and 300 relates tofirst end 302. Rather than first and second openings, first end 302 ofcable tie receiving device 300 comprises keyhole arrangement 320,comprising elongated opening 322 and opposing side rails 324. Firstportion 326 of elongated opening 322 comprises a larger width dimensionthan second portion 328, owing to the presence of rails 324 withinsecond portion 328. In addition, first portion 326 is adapted to receivealternate mounting device 10′, which comprises the same structure asmounting device 10, except that mount 20′ comprises a more pronouncedannular shoulder 24′.

In operation, mounting devices 10, or mounting devices 10 and 10′, areinstalled on studs 34 and devices 200 and 300 are connected and thenutilized to carry and secure cables and cable bundles.

Installation of devices 200 and 300 is a two-step process. Mountingdevices 10 or 10′ are secured to T-shaped channels 42, as describedabove. With cable tie receiving device 200 in place, mounting devices 10are secured to spaced apart T-shaped channels 42 in desired locations.One of first and second openings 208 and 210, as well as third opening218, are aligned with mounts 20 of mounting devices 10 and snap fit intoposition. With cable tie receiving device 300 in place, mounting device10 is secured to stud 34 in a desired position. First portion 326 ofelongated opening 322 is aligned with mount 20 of mounting device 10′,followed by inserting mount 20 into first portion 326 of opening 322.The user then adjusts the positioning of second end 304 of cable tiereceiving device 300 to a desired location by moving second end 304,thereby allowing annular shoulder 24 to ride over rails 324. Mountingdevice 10 may then be installed in alignment with opening 318 at secondend 304 and snap-fit therein. Alternatively, mounting device 10 may beinstalled prior to positioning of mounting device 10′ in elongatedopening 322.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, once devices 200 and 300 are installed,cable ties 214 and 314 may be used to secure cables 215 and 315 intoposition. Each cable tie receiving slot 212 and 312 may receive twocable ties 214 and 314, which may be secured around cables 215 and 315and fled off at head portions 217 and 317.

While certain embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changesand modifications may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoingdescription and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustrationonly and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention isintended to be defined in the following claims.

1. A mounting apparatus for use with a stud comprising a channel, theapparatus comprising: (a) a cable tie receiving device extending from afirst end portion to a spaced apart second end portion, the cable tiereceiving device comprising: (i) a strip comprising a plurality ofapertures for receiving cable ties, the strip positioned between thefirst and second end portions; and (ii) at least one opening positionedat one or both of the first and second end portions; and (b) a mountingdevice comprising: (i) a mount for insertion into and engagement withthe at least one opening the mount for receiving and carrying a cablemanagement member; and (ii) an engagement member geometricallyconforming to the shape of the channel, the engagement member forengaging the mounting device within the channel.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one opening comprises an elongated openingcomprising a first portion and a second portion the first portioncomprising a larger width dimension than the second portion.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the cable tie receiving device comprisesopposing side rails positioned within the at least one opening.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the mount comprises an annular shoulderfor riding over opposing side rails after insertion of the mount intothe at least one opening.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the firstend portion comprises two or more spaced apart openings for receivingtwo or more mounting devices.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein themount comprises a socket adapted to receive a cable management memberfor receiving and carrying cables.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe apparatus accommodates placement of two or more mounting devices onstuds with varying distances therebetween.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the engagement member comprises an uneven surface transverse toa longitudinal axis of the channel with the engagement member engagedwithin the channel.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the unevensurface comprises a flexible pad for creating the interference fit. 10.The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the uneven surface comprises an angledsurface.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the angled surfacecomprises two angled surfaces each comprising a lowest elevation point,the lowest elevation point of one of the angled surfaces positioned onan opposite side of the engagement member as the lowest elevation pointof the other angled surface.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a plate overlying the engagement member.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the channel and the engagement member are T-shaped. 14.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the engagement member comprises ashaft and a wedge block.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein theshaft is connected to the bottom surface of the plate and the wedgeblock is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the plate.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 14, wherein the shaft comprises at least one roundedcorner and at least one square corner.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14,wherein the wedge block comprises a top portion and a bottom portion andthe top portion comprises an uneven surface.
 18. The apparatus of claim12, wherein a bottom surface of the plate comprises opposing flanges,each comprising a stop surface positioned to abut an internal sidesurface of the stud defining the channel, with the mounting deviceengaged within the channel.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein theflange comprises an inclined surface for riding over an external surfaceof the stud.
 20. A mounting apparatus for use with a stud comprising aT-shaped channel, the apparatus comprising: (a) a cable tie receivingdevice extending from a first end portion to a second end portion, thecable tie receiving device comprising (i) a plurality of apertures forreceiving cable ties, the plurality of apertures positioned between thefirst and second end portions; and (ii) at least one openingsubstantially larger than the plurality of apertures, the at least oneopening positioned at one or both of the first and second end portions;and (b) a mounting device comprising: (i) a mount for insertion into andengagement with the at least one opening; and (ii) an engagement membercomprising a T-shaped cross-section, the engagement member for engagingthe mounting device within the channel.